CNC Machine Programming Tips

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Duration: 18:31

What does it take to get an idea from inside your head to the router bit in a benchtop CNC machine? It’s not too hard, but there are some tricks that’ll help simplify it. Randy Johnson gives us the skinny on bringing your ideas to life on a CNC.

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11 Responses to “CNC Machine Programming Tips”

  1. Doug

    He stated that using a photograph would be more difficult. Is it possible to use a black and white photo and apply that to the carving? Convert to 3-D sort of? Thank You

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi, Doug. It is possible to do 3D modeling from photos with Aspire, another Vectric software product.

      Reply
  2. Ritchie Stiller

    George, Are you a member of the 4% with us? I noticed the Eagle Scout patch on the wall. Take care
    Ritchie

    Reply
    • George Vondriska

      Yep, thanks for asking. My son, George Jr, is wrapping up Life right now. Hopefully he’ll have his Eagle done this summer.

      Reply
      • Ritchie Stiller

        My son Nicholas got his in 2010. There are many distractions for young men these days. Good luck to you both.

        Reply
  3. John Simonetti

    George, forgive me, at age 75 I may be dense, but I would like to add-to my last comments regarding your ‘Go George’ video. I would hope my additional comments would add to the directions given by Randy Johnson and he would assist you by providing more specific/step-by-step directions for the novice to follow. On the initial CAD or Drawing Part, when setting the ‘vector’ for a clip art, I think it would be beneficial to the novice to see exactly the steps taken on setting-up the bitmap and vector layers (the setup for the text layer is good). Also, to make sure the specific keys or icons are pointed out to use when required. On the tool path side, when the tool path(s) are selected it should be shown how, why and when the separate ‘layer’ tool paths should be selected, how, why and when each tool is used and how, why and when the different depths are used. Also, it should be pointed out to save each file path separately and to run each file path separately (please note that I am using the Rockler Sharp Pro with the Vectric/Vcarve software). I did notice how you added your spoil board to your machines deck and also how you use hot glue to stabilize the work piece. I’m going right out now to buy the material for my spoil board. And, could you provide the link for the football bitmap so us just starting out can try ‘Go George’? Thanks, George, and I appreciate your time in reviewing my comments.

    Reply
    • George Vondriska

      Thanks for the comment John. Next time I’m talking to Randy I’ll try and find out where he found the football clip art. And I’ll keep your comments in mind if we shoot subsequent CNC-related videos.

      Reply
  4. John Simonetti

    George … At age 75, I took the plunge and purchased the latest Sharp Pro system and I have to point out, I’ve viewed a number of tutorial videos that are available on YouTube for my system, but I’ve found that your tutorial videos have been more positive and direct in teaching what the subject matter is. NOW … this ‘Go George’ video is, by far, the BEST that I’ve seen in providing specific direction(s) on how to perform a CNC operation, such as you provided, and I thank you for your concerns for the novice CNC enthusiasts. I anticipate your future videos.

    Reply
    • George Vondriska

      John-Thanks for your nice comments. Lots of credit goes to Randy Johnson. He’s so good at explaining this stuff that even I could understand it. 🙂

      Reply
      • John Simonetti

        … and I also understood Randy, with his explaining the steps required to go from the start of a project to its finish. I do hope, in future videos, the steps to take from start to finish can be even more definitive, instead of the possibility of inadvertently forgetting to mention some steps. Keep up the good work.

        Reply
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